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Somebody Loves You - December 21, 2017

A Light in the Darkness

Through the tender mercy of our God, with which the Dayspring from on high has visited us; to give light to those who sit in darkness and the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the way of peace.” - Luke 1:78-79

The Jewish nation was heavy burdened under Romans rule. They endured a harsh existence in a land no longer freely theirs. A Roman soldier could tap anyone on the shoulder and they would be forced to carry his gear for a mile. The Jews were forced to pay taxes; which funded the Roman army who occupied them. The Romans were cruel; a person could be sentence to death by crucifixion, for their crimes.

As Zacharias concluded his prophecy, there was a glimmer of hope among the dark days of oppression. Their Messiah would come as a light––a dawn in the darkness. He was their Dayspring, to bring to His people peace. War had brought their enemies into their gates––the Roman presence in Israel was such an unwelcomed intrusion.

It is important to understand that our own lives have an enemy––death. Because of sin we all sit in death’s shadow. We live in the fearful knowledge that each new day could be our last. Death is something we cannot control, it is an unwelcome intrusion. But who can help us?

Our Dayspring––Jesus Christ, visited us like the dawn that ends the darkness. As Mary’s child He took upon Himself human flesh. He was able to destroy death’s hold over us when He died on the cross:

Inasmuch then as the children have partaken of flesh and blood, He Himself likewise shared in the same, that through death He might destroy him who had the power of death, that is, the devil, and release those who through fear of death were all their lifetime subject to bondage - (Hebrews 2:14-15).

The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; those who dwelt in the land of the shadow of death, upon them a light has shined.~Isaiah 9:2~